On January 21, 2025, many Americans were introduced to Bishop Mariann Budde thanks to what The New York Times called "an extraordinary act of public resistance." During her prayer service for Donald J. Trump's second inauguration, Bishop Budde addressed the president directly, imploring him "to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now," from those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community to immigrants and refugees.
But for Bishop Budde, this moment was the culmination of a lifetime spent thinking about those pivot points in life when we're called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, she teaches us that being brave is not a singular occurrence; it's a journey that we can choose to undertake every day.
She draws on examples ranging from Harry Potter to the Gospel According to Luke, she seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture to underscore the particular call each one of us must heed when they arrive. With her wisdom, readers will learn to live and respond according to their true beliefs and in ways that align with their best selves. How We Learn to Be Brave will provide much-needed fortitude and insight to anyone searching for answers in uncertain times.
